For the first time in history! Eric Smith, the two major branches of the US military, have no leader at the same time
According to the Associated Press on August 4th, US Secretary of Defense Austin warned that as the Army Chief of Staff steps down on August 4th, the US military is facing a situation where the leaders of both ground combat units have not been approved by the Senate, putting the US military's readiness and integrity at risk.
Austin said at a ceremony held at the Mayer Henderson Joint Base that the Senate's failure to formally approve new personnel appointments could have an impact on the military and could jeopardize the relationship between the United States and its allies and partners.
According to reports, more than 300 military personnel appointments have been put on hold due to Alabama Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville's dissatisfaction with a Pentagon spending policy. And among the shelved list, the appointment of the next Chief of Army Staff and Commander of the Marine Corps is prominently on the list.
Austin said, "Today, for the first time in the history of the US Department of Defense, our two major branches of service will operate without Senate approval. A strong team requires a strong leader, which is the core of maintaining the most lethal military force on Earth."
With the retirement of US Army Chief of Staff James McConnell, the current Deputy Chief of Staff Randy George has been nominated as the new Army Chief of Staff. But currently he can only serve as Acting Chief of Staff.
Similarly, Eric Smith was previously nominated as the next Marine Corps Commander, but due to the appointment not being confirmed, he can now only serve as Acting Commander.
As both are acting leaders, they cannot move into the commander's residence and office, nor can they issue formal planning guidance, although this is a tradition after the new commander takes office. Officials also remind that there are still some functions, including certain budget powers, that cannot be handed over to acting leaders.